DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Teacher Defends Drag Queen at School, Condemns ‘Bigoted’ Parents
English teacher Anthony Lane, of Willis Independent School District (WISD) High School in Texas, reportedly removed his Facebook post in which he defended another teacher’s decision to host a drag queen in the high school’s cosmetology class to offer makeup tips. Lane sharply criticized parents who complained about the drag queen’s presence without their knowledge.
Faithwire posted a screenshot of Lane’s post before it was allegedly removed.
The screenshot reportedly shows Lane posted on October 26 that he is “both a parent and a teacher.”
“Our society is very sensitive when it comes to criticizing parents, and teachers are often afraid of parents because they are given so much authority,” he reportedly wrote and continued:
"I believe that raising a child is the responsibility of the community, and that parents should not have the final say. Let’s be honest, some of you don’t know what is best for your kids..."
More
Bill to end marijuana prohibition in the U.S. passes key committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WSET) -- A congressional committee has approved a piece of legislation to end marijuana prohibition in the United States.
According to a press release, the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement Act, better known as The MORE Act (HR 3884), would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and impose a minor excise tax on the legal cannabis industry to pay for the expungement of criminal records, among other changes, passed with a bipartisan vote of 24 to 10.
"This is a truly historic moment in our nation's political history. For the first time, a Congressional committee has approved far-reaching legislation to not just put an end to federal marijuana prohibition, but to address the countless harms our prohibitionist policies have wrought, notable on communities of color and other marginalized groups," stated NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri, "Opposition to our failed war on marijuana has reached a boiling point with over two-thirds of all Americans, including majorities of all political persuasions, now supporting legalization. Congress should respect the will of the people and promptly approve the MORE Act and close this dark chapter of failed public policy."
More
According to a press release, the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement Act, better known as The MORE Act (HR 3884), would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and impose a minor excise tax on the legal cannabis industry to pay for the expungement of criminal records, among other changes, passed with a bipartisan vote of 24 to 10.
"This is a truly historic moment in our nation's political history. For the first time, a Congressional committee has approved far-reaching legislation to not just put an end to federal marijuana prohibition, but to address the countless harms our prohibitionist policies have wrought, notable on communities of color and other marginalized groups," stated NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri, "Opposition to our failed war on marijuana has reached a boiling point with over two-thirds of all Americans, including majorities of all political persuasions, now supporting legalization. Congress should respect the will of the people and promptly approve the MORE Act and close this dark chapter of failed public policy."
More
Chick-fil-A Succumbs to Gay Mafia Pressure
Chick-fil-A will reportedly stop donating money to charities including the Salvation Army and Fellowship of Christian Athletes following pressure from LGBT groups.
The company announced Monday that it is re-focusing its charitable foundation to a smaller number of charities, focusing exclusively on education, homelessness, and hunger.
“Our goal is to donate to the most effective organizations in the areas of education, homelessness and hunger. No organization will be excluded from future consideration – faith based or non-faith based,” Tim Tassopoulos, president and COO of Chick-fil-A, said in a statement.
“There’s no question we know that, as we go into new markets, we need to be clear about who we are,” he said. “There are lots of articles and newscasts about Chick-fil-A, and we thought we needed to be clear about our message.”
As a result, the company will no longer give money to organizations including the Salvation Army, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Paul Anderson Youth Home.
Those charities have caused LGBT activists to target Chick-fil-A due to those organizations’ stances on homosexuality.
More
The company announced Monday that it is re-focusing its charitable foundation to a smaller number of charities, focusing exclusively on education, homelessness, and hunger.
“Our goal is to donate to the most effective organizations in the areas of education, homelessness and hunger. No organization will be excluded from future consideration – faith based or non-faith based,” Tim Tassopoulos, president and COO of Chick-fil-A, said in a statement.
“There’s no question we know that, as we go into new markets, we need to be clear about who we are,” he said. “There are lots of articles and newscasts about Chick-fil-A, and we thought we needed to be clear about our message.”
As a result, the company will no longer give money to organizations including the Salvation Army, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Paul Anderson Youth Home.
Those charities have caused LGBT activists to target Chick-fil-A due to those organizations’ stances on homosexuality.
More
GRAPHIC WARNING: FBI Interviews Alleged Boy Rape Victim of Bill Clinton; Chilling Details of Sex Assaults & Satanic Rituals on Yacht
Child sex trafficking investigators from the FBI’s New York field office have conducted an interview with a victim who provided chilling details about allegedly being raped by Bill Clinton on a yacht in New England when the victim was a young boy.
“We are treating him as a victim,” an FBI official told True Pundit in New York City prior the interview with FBI.
Top FBI officials arranged the interview with the victim, who said he was raped by Bill Clinton when he was just eight years old. The interview was conducted by the FBI’s task force that was established to investigate sexual assault and sex trafficking claims linked to Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. That task force, also attached to the NYPD, remains active even though Epstein reportedly committed suicide in federal custody just weeks ago.
“We still have a job to do here and that’s what we’re doing,” one FBI official told this reporter.
More/Video
“We are treating him as a victim,” an FBI official told True Pundit in New York City prior the interview with FBI.
Top FBI officials arranged the interview with the victim, who said he was raped by Bill Clinton when he was just eight years old. The interview was conducted by the FBI’s task force that was established to investigate sexual assault and sex trafficking claims linked to Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. That task force, also attached to the NYPD, remains active even though Epstein reportedly committed suicide in federal custody just weeks ago.
“We still have a job to do here and that’s what we’re doing,” one FBI official told this reporter.
More/Video
Pelosi Scraps Presumption Of Innocence: Trump Needs To Prove He Is Innocent
House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) suggested to CBS News’ Margaret Brennan on Sunday that President Donald Trump needs to prove that he is innocent in the Democrats’ impeachment inquiry. This is contradictory to the U.S. criminal justice system, which is based on the presumption of innocence.
Pelosi, who made the remarks on CBS News’ “Face The Nation,” made similar remarks last week while responding to a reporter’s question about the public believing that Democrats are “dead set” on impeaching Trump without looking at all the facts.
“It’s called an inquiry,” Pelosi said on Thursday. “And if the President has something that is exculpatory, Mr. President, that means you have anything that shows your innocence, then he should make that known and that’s part of the inquiry."
More here
Pelosi, who made the remarks on CBS News’ “Face The Nation,” made similar remarks last week while responding to a reporter’s question about the public believing that Democrats are “dead set” on impeaching Trump without looking at all the facts.
“It’s called an inquiry,” Pelosi said on Thursday. “And if the President has something that is exculpatory, Mr. President, that means you have anything that shows your innocence, then he should make that known and that’s part of the inquiry."
More here
Buttigieg: I am not 'cherry-picking' the Bible, it is just 'inconsistent internally'
Pete Buttigieg opened up about his faith in a recent interview and explained why he thinks his liberal positions are not at odds with Christianity.
Responding to charges that he was "picking and choosing" what the Bible teaches about certain issues, Buttigieg told Rolling Stone, "Well, I think for a lot of us — certainly for me — any encounter with Scripture includes some process of sorting out what connects you with God versus what simply tells you about the morals of the times when it was written."
"And to me, that’s not so much cherry-picking as just being serious, because of course there’s so many things in Scripture that are inconsistent internally, and you’ve got to decide what sense to make of it," Buttigieg continued, adding, "Jesus speaks so often in hyperbole and parable, in mysterious code, that in my experience, there’s simply no way that a literal understanding of Scripture can fit into the Bible that I find in my hands."
More
Responding to charges that he was "picking and choosing" what the Bible teaches about certain issues, Buttigieg told Rolling Stone, "Well, I think for a lot of us — certainly for me — any encounter with Scripture includes some process of sorting out what connects you with God versus what simply tells you about the morals of the times when it was written."
"And to me, that’s not so much cherry-picking as just being serious, because of course there’s so many things in Scripture that are inconsistent internally, and you’ve got to decide what sense to make of it," Buttigieg continued, adding, "Jesus speaks so often in hyperbole and parable, in mysterious code, that in my experience, there’s simply no way that a literal understanding of Scripture can fit into the Bible that I find in my hands."
More
Comptroller Announces Largest Tobacco Bust in Agency History
Three men from Prince George's and Howard counties & Baltimore City charged; Seized items represent nearly $300K tax loss
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (November 20, 2019) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the largest tobacco bust in the agency’s history—nearly a half million dollars of untaxed tobacco products seized representing a tax loss to the state of more than $286,000.
During early-morning raids on November 5 at multiple locations in Prince George’s County and Baltimore City, agents from the Field Enforcement Division (FED) discovered a large-scale operation to import and distribute untaxed tobacco products and cigarettes in the state.
The year-long investigation, done in cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, involved numerous routine tobacco inspections and surveillance operations conducted by FED agents that yielded large quantities of untaxed cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (OTP).
“The work of the agency’s Field Enforcement Division is second to none, and this latest operation to bring down a criminal enterprise demonstrates solid police work and multi-jurisdictional coordination,” said Comptroller Franchot. “As a result, these lawbreakers will be held accountable and Marylanders will not see lost tax revenue going out the door.”
Can a middle-class budget buy a new American car? Probably not
Americans were paying about 38% more for a new car or truck over the summer than they were just 10 years ago. The average transaction price for some popular vehicles is up nearly 50%, 60% or even 70%. So how are drivers affording it? As CBS News found, many are not.
In Vineland, New Jersey, the typical family takes home about $39,000 a year after taxes. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger recommended spending 10 to 15% of that income monthly on a vehicle. That leaves an average family there with about a $400 a month budget.
With that in mind, "CBS This Morning" co-host Tony Dokoupil visited family-owned Lilliston Ford. Manager Ivan Nelson showed Dokoupil a Ford Explorer, packed with technology. He also saw a powerful F-150 Lariat.
But did any of it fit that $400 budget? Not even close.
"Your monthly payment would be $853," Nelson said.
More
In Vineland, New Jersey, the typical family takes home about $39,000 a year after taxes. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger recommended spending 10 to 15% of that income monthly on a vehicle. That leaves an average family there with about a $400 a month budget.
With that in mind, "CBS This Morning" co-host Tony Dokoupil visited family-owned Lilliston Ford. Manager Ivan Nelson showed Dokoupil a Ford Explorer, packed with technology. He also saw a powerful F-150 Lariat.
But did any of it fit that $400 budget? Not even close.
"Your monthly payment would be $853," Nelson said.
More
Baltimore Taxpayers Fund Lyft-Rides For Inner-City Poor Facing "Food Deserts"
With more than a quarter of all Baltimore City residents living in a food desert, meaning there's no supermarket in a walkable distance, the taxpayers are now funding a new program that will pay for their Lyft ride to the grocery store.
Starting Monday, residents in South and West Baltimore City, some of the most impoverished areas in the country, can register online for Lyft and get government-subsidized trips to participating grocery stores, reported The Baltimore Sun.
The pilot program will sponsor up to 200 residents, will cover one-way rides up to $2.50. Each rider can take as many as eight trips per month.
Both areas are equivalent to a third-world country and have the highest per-capita homicide rates in the country.
Instead of supermarkets on each corner of the street, there are liquor stores and methadone clinics.
More
Starting Monday, residents in South and West Baltimore City, some of the most impoverished areas in the country, can register online for Lyft and get government-subsidized trips to participating grocery stores, reported The Baltimore Sun.
The pilot program will sponsor up to 200 residents, will cover one-way rides up to $2.50. Each rider can take as many as eight trips per month.
"Whoa, that is lovely," Evelyn Robinson told The Sun. "I wouldn't have to wait for someone to be available to take me or pay as much money. I could go whenever I wanted."For some more color on South and West Baltimore City, these areas are low-income neighborhoods, about 33% of households don't even own vehicles, and most folks have negative net wealth. Many don't have jobs because the local economy has been stuck in a depression for twenty years.
Both areas are equivalent to a third-world country and have the highest per-capita homicide rates in the country.
Instead of supermarkets on each corner of the street, there are liquor stores and methadone clinics.
More
Maryland State Police Sergeant Charged with Misconduct in Office
The charges allege that McComas notified a subordinate employee that they were the target of a search and seizure warrant, which allowed the subordinate employee the opportunity to remove items from their personal residence prior to the execution of the lawful search and seizure warrant.
“It is imperative that law enforcement officers, who take an oath to uphold the law, are held accountable when they violate the law, especially when it relates to disclosing confidential information to the target of an investigation,” said Kelly B. Madigan, Acting State Prosecutor.
This matter was investigated by the Office of the State Prosecutor and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division.
Although charged, the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until there is a conviction.
Click HERE to view the Indictment
UPDATED: Former Mayor Pugh federally charged on 11 counts of fraud, tax-related charges
BALTIMORE —An 11-count federal indictment against former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh was made public Wednesday morning.
Pugh, 69, is federally charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and two counts of tax evasion. Pugh was charged on Nov. 14 and the charges were made public Wednesday.
Pugh is scheduled for an initial appearance and arraignment in U.S. District Court in Baltimore before U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow on Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. Pugh is expected to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals prior to the hearing.
More
Read full indictment
Pugh, 69, is federally charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and two counts of tax evasion. Pugh was charged on Nov. 14 and the charges were made public Wednesday.
Pugh is scheduled for an initial appearance and arraignment in U.S. District Court in Baltimore before U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow on Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. Pugh is expected to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals prior to the hearing.
More
Read full indictment
WHITE HOUSE SOURCE: TRUMP MADE UNEXPECTED HOSPITAL VISIT TO TEST FOR INTENTIONAL POISONING
An inside source says President Trump’s food taster became ill after ingesting an unnamed substance, which is why the president made a surprise hospital visit on Saturday.
In an official statement, the White House said President Trump visited the Walter Reed Military Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, for a “quick exam and labs.”
The hospital visit was not listed on the president’s public schedule, according to media outlets which indicated that the visit was not a routine physical exam.
Additionally, the inside source said his food taster was rushed to the facility after becoming extremely ill.
Doctors and staff reportedly found the byproduct of a type of toxin that’s very hard to detect and has a time-delayed onset of symptoms.
Additionally, the toxin is a newer concoction that’s not typically tested for since it’s not well-known, according to the source.
More
In an official statement, the White House said President Trump visited the Walter Reed Military Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, for a “quick exam and labs.”
The hospital visit was not listed on the president’s public schedule, according to media outlets which indicated that the visit was not a routine physical exam.
Additionally, the inside source said his food taster was rushed to the facility after becoming extremely ill.
Doctors and staff reportedly found the byproduct of a type of toxin that’s very hard to detect and has a time-delayed onset of symptoms.
Additionally, the toxin is a newer concoction that’s not typically tested for since it’s not well-known, according to the source.
More
'I get upset': GOP congressman demands Schiff explain legal authority to conceal whistleblower
Rep. Mike Conaway told House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff during the public impeachment hearings that he wanted to know the legal grounds on which Schiff refused to allow the naming of the whistleblower.
"Mr. Chairman, I would like, as a personal request, I request that you and/or one of your lawyers, one of the members of the committee, put into the record the federal statute that provides for the absolute immunity, right to immunity, that you've exerted over and over and over," the Texas Republican said Tuesday. "I don't think it's there, but if it is, in fact, a federal statute and/or a brief that you can cite, put that in the record so that we'll know that."
Conaway then urged Schiff not to get angry with him and accuse him of wanting to out the whistleblower, saying, "I get upset every time you ... accuse me, simply because I want to know the whistleblower, and I want to know what's going on, that we want to out that individual. That's unfair for you to make that accusation, and I get just as mad. This is about leveling the playing field between our two teams."
More
"Mr. Chairman, I would like, as a personal request, I request that you and/or one of your lawyers, one of the members of the committee, put into the record the federal statute that provides for the absolute immunity, right to immunity, that you've exerted over and over and over," the Texas Republican said Tuesday. "I don't think it's there, but if it is, in fact, a federal statute and/or a brief that you can cite, put that in the record so that we'll know that."
Conaway then urged Schiff not to get angry with him and accuse him of wanting to out the whistleblower, saying, "I get upset every time you ... accuse me, simply because I want to know the whistleblower, and I want to know what's going on, that we want to out that individual. That's unfair for you to make that accusation, and I get just as mad. This is about leveling the playing field between our two teams."
More
Are Ocean City Officials Lying About Special Event Revenue?
Let's look at other events like Sunfest, Springfest, Bike Week, Classic Car Week, hey, here's an idea, how about the huge Dog Show held every year in Wicomico County that brings in thousands of people. You NEVER hear about the actual revenue these events bring forth, yet Jake Day can say anything he wants and your local Liberal Media simply publish the BS he spews.
Nevertheless you need to start asking yourself, if Jake Day's numbers were in fact accurate, doesn't that mean Ocean City should be bringing in BILLIONS of dollars and if that is the case, why are property owners paying out outrageous property taxes.
I think it's about time we AMERICANS need to start challenging our elected officials to actually be ACCOUNTABLE for such numbers and demand a reduction in taxes, since these municipalities are so rich, according to Jake Day.
So I ask, are YOU ready to start being more vocal and demand answers? Or are you one of those pansy liberals who is so DUMB you just bend over and agree with anything your leaders tell you? As for me, I'm not stupid, are you?
Dem Rep. Raskin: Donald Trump ‘Is a One-Man Crime Wave’
On Monday’s broadcast of MSNBC’s “Live,” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) called President Donald Trump a “one-man crime wave.”
"...We have a president here in Donald Trump, who is a one-man crime wave, and there are dozens of potential offenses and hundreds or thousands of lies that have been told.”
More/video
"...We have a president here in Donald Trump, who is a one-man crime wave, and there are dozens of potential offenses and hundreds or thousands of lies that have been told.”
More/video
Report: Decrease in enrollment in University System of Maryland schools
ANNAPOLIS, Md. —For the eighth year in row, fewer students are enrolling in the nation's colleges and universities.
A report adds Maryland to that list. No one is surprised by the slight decrease taking place among the state's dozen or so colleges and universities. The state said it knows why the numbers are dropping and has a plan to deal with it.
The new figures come about three months into a new school year for Maryland colleges and universities. The numbers show 170,000 students are now receiving a higher education, which is 4,000 fewer than the same time a year ago.
Bob Caret, chancellor of the University System of Maryland, said the decrease was expected.
"The community colleges are significantly down because of the economy jobs are out there, unemployment is at a low and it just sort of fits together," Caret said.
More
A report adds Maryland to that list. No one is surprised by the slight decrease taking place among the state's dozen or so colleges and universities. The state said it knows why the numbers are dropping and has a plan to deal with it.
The new figures come about three months into a new school year for Maryland colleges and universities. The numbers show 170,000 students are now receiving a higher education, which is 4,000 fewer than the same time a year ago.
Bob Caret, chancellor of the University System of Maryland, said the decrease was expected.
"The community colleges are significantly down because of the economy jobs are out there, unemployment is at a low and it just sort of fits together," Caret said.
More
GLAAD: Chick-Fil-A Cave NOT ENOUGH, Must Disavow Itself
One of the nation’s largest gay advocacy organizations is greeting Chick-Fil-A’s divestment from Christian charities like the Salvation Army with tepid praise and further demands, including an “unequivocal” denunciation of the brand’s history and values.
GLAAD (whose name is an acronym for its former title, “Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation”) demanded “safe workplaces for LGBTQ employees” and an apparent denunciation of the Christian ministry Focus on the Family, responding to Chick-Fil-A’s decision to stop donating to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program for needy children and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which serves historically black colleges and universities (HCBUs).
The full statement from Drew Anderson, GLAAD’s director of campaigns and rapid response, names more steps the fast-food chain must take to prove its genuine repentance:
"If Chick-Fil-A is serious about their pledge to stop holding hands with divisive anti-LGBTQ activists, then further transparency is needed regarding their deep ties to organizations like Focus on the Family, which exist purely to harm LGBTQ people and families."
More
GLAAD (whose name is an acronym for its former title, “Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation”) demanded “safe workplaces for LGBTQ employees” and an apparent denunciation of the Christian ministry Focus on the Family, responding to Chick-Fil-A’s decision to stop donating to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program for needy children and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which serves historically black colleges and universities (HCBUs).
The full statement from Drew Anderson, GLAAD’s director of campaigns and rapid response, names more steps the fast-food chain must take to prove its genuine repentance:
"If Chick-Fil-A is serious about their pledge to stop holding hands with divisive anti-LGBTQ activists, then further transparency is needed regarding their deep ties to organizations like Focus on the Family, which exist purely to harm LGBTQ people and families."
More
'Schiff Show' Roundup: Perjury, Nine Witnesses
Just when you thought Democrats had moved on to nailing President Donald Trump on Ukraine, they go back to the “Russia collusion” well. The Wall Street Journal reports, “The top lawyer for the Democratic-led House said impeachment investigators were examining whether President Trump lied in statements to former special counsel Robert Mueller.”
Rep. Jame Raskin (D-MD) explains, “It’s a crime to lie to federal prosecutors in the course of a federal proceeding. That’s perjury. It was also the basis for the GOP-controlled House’s impeachment of Bill Clinton for lying under oath, for committing perjury. So it’s a very serious offense — and it’s obviously something that we take seriously.”
So, along with shifting to “bribery” instead of “quid pro quo,” Democrats have latched onto a second word — “perjury” — to bolster their impeachment case. Constitutional and legal terms tested better than Latin in focus groups. Democrats may also be baiting Trump into testifying on his own behalf. He says he would “strongly consider” it.
More
DNA test shows Hunter Biden fathered child with Arkansas woman
A DNA test shows that Hunter Biden fathered a child with an Arkansas woman, according to court papers filed on Wednesday.
The test established Biden’s paternity with “scientific certainty,” the child’s mom, Lunden Alexis Roberts, said in in a motion posted online by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Biden, son of Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden, has denied having had sex with Roberts and agreed to the test last month in a bid to prove he didn’t father her unidentified child.
He’s “not expected to challenge the results of the DNA test or the testing process,” according to Roberts’ filing in Arkansas’ Independence County Circuit Court.
More
The test established Biden’s paternity with “scientific certainty,” the child’s mom, Lunden Alexis Roberts, said in in a motion posted online by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Biden, son of Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden, has denied having had sex with Roberts and agreed to the test last month in a bid to prove he didn’t father her unidentified child.
He’s “not expected to challenge the results of the DNA test or the testing process,” according to Roberts’ filing in Arkansas’ Independence County Circuit Court.
More
Hogan issues first paroles for juvenile lifers in decades
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland –– For the first time in 24 years, individuals sentenced to life in a correctional facility for crimes they committed before turning 18 are being paroled by a Maryland governor.
This shift in policy for juvenile lifers by Gov. Larry Hogan, R, is unprecedented in the state’s recent history.
“The governor talked about this issue in his original campaign, and it’s something that he gives serious attention to,” Hogan Administration Deputy Legal Counsel Chris Mincher said in an interview with Capital News Service.
A press secretary for Hogan said the governor would not comment, and said Mincher is the “on-the-record spokesperson” for the administration regarding juvenile paroles.
Hogan’s decision to implement parole for juvenile lifers comes after 24 years of rejections for this group by the previous three governors, a trend that started with Gov. Parris Glendening in 1995.
More
This shift in policy for juvenile lifers by Gov. Larry Hogan, R, is unprecedented in the state’s recent history.
“The governor talked about this issue in his original campaign, and it’s something that he gives serious attention to,” Hogan Administration Deputy Legal Counsel Chris Mincher said in an interview with Capital News Service.
A press secretary for Hogan said the governor would not comment, and said Mincher is the “on-the-record spokesperson” for the administration regarding juvenile paroles.
Hogan’s decision to implement parole for juvenile lifers comes after 24 years of rejections for this group by the previous three governors, a trend that started with Gov. Parris Glendening in 1995.
More
Al Sharpton gets $1M in pay from his own charity, tax filings show
He’s the million-dollar minister.
The Rev. Al Sharpton raked in $1,046,948 from his own charity last year, according to National Action Network’s latest tax filings obtained by The Post.
Sharpton got a $324,000 salary — 32% higher than his 2017 pay — in addition to a $159,596 bonus and $563,352 in “other compensation.”
The Harlem-based nonprofit — which Sharpton controls as president and CEO — said the extra cash was to make up for the years from 2004 to 2017 when he didn’t get his full pay.
NAN said it hired an executive compensation firm that determined the good reverend was owed $1.252 million — but he was generously willing to take $500,000 less.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/al-sharpton-gets-1m-in-pay-from-his-own-charity
The Rev. Al Sharpton raked in $1,046,948 from his own charity last year, according to National Action Network’s latest tax filings obtained by The Post.
Sharpton got a $324,000 salary — 32% higher than his 2017 pay — in addition to a $159,596 bonus and $563,352 in “other compensation.”
The Harlem-based nonprofit — which Sharpton controls as president and CEO — said the extra cash was to make up for the years from 2004 to 2017 when he didn’t get his full pay.
NAN said it hired an executive compensation firm that determined the good reverend was owed $1.252 million — but he was generously willing to take $500,000 less.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/al-sharpton-gets-1m-in-pay-from-his-own-charity
Maryland bill would ban balloon releases
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — Letting a balloon float away in Maryland would draw in a fine of $250, under a bill sponsored by Sen. Clarence Lam, D-Howard and Baltimore counties, legislation that is similar to a Queen Anne’s County law.
Lam said he hopes that this bill does two things: reduces the amount of waste that ends up in the environment, and raises awareness of the need to properly dispose of balloons.
He said there would be a $250 civil fine for each act of intentionally releasing a balloon, but no one would go to prison for it because it’s not considered a criminal offense.
Lam said that the state, unlike in Queen Anne’s County, will not allow biodegradable balloons.
More
Lam said he hopes that this bill does two things: reduces the amount of waste that ends up in the environment, and raises awareness of the need to properly dispose of balloons.
He said there would be a $250 civil fine for each act of intentionally releasing a balloon, but no one would go to prison for it because it’s not considered a criminal offense.
Lam said that the state, unlike in Queen Anne’s County, will not allow biodegradable balloons.
More
Police officer fired after stopping two black men for 'acting suspicious'
An Indiana police officer was fired this week after a viral video showed him accosting two black men in a parking lot for “acting suspicious.”
One of the men said in the description of the YouTube video — which has garnered almost 400,000 views since being uploaded on Nov. 13 — the two of them had just finished purchasing merchandise from Nordstrom Rack when the constable, identified by WTHR as Daryl Jones, followed them out of the store and yelled he was going to run their plates as they left their parking spot.
Mr. Jones, who was off-duty and was working security for the Nordstrom Rack when the incident occurred, said they “circled back to ask him why he was being invasive and abusing his authority” and began filming before he walked up to the car.
The two men, identified by news stations as Aaron Blackwell and Durell Cunningham, were instructed by Mr. Jones to give their IDs. When one of the men asked why, he responded, “because I told you to.”
The men asked several times why they were approached in the parking lot, why he wants to see their licenses, and for him to call his supervisor.
More here
One of the men said in the description of the YouTube video — which has garnered almost 400,000 views since being uploaded on Nov. 13 — the two of them had just finished purchasing merchandise from Nordstrom Rack when the constable, identified by WTHR as Daryl Jones, followed them out of the store and yelled he was going to run their plates as they left their parking spot.
Mr. Jones, who was off-duty and was working security for the Nordstrom Rack when the incident occurred, said they “circled back to ask him why he was being invasive and abusing his authority” and began filming before he walked up to the car.
The two men, identified by news stations as Aaron Blackwell and Durell Cunningham, were instructed by Mr. Jones to give their IDs. When one of the men asked why, he responded, “because I told you to.”
The men asked several times why they were approached in the parking lot, why he wants to see their licenses, and for him to call his supervisor.
More here
Dewey Beach police officer charged with beating victim who refused ambulance ride
A Dewey Beach police officer was indicted in connection to an August incident where he allegedly climbed on top of a man laid out on a stretcher and began punching the victim in the face, the Delaware Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
According to DOJ officials, Gregory Lynch Jr. responded to reports of a victim who had suffered an injury to the back of his head after losing consciousness near Bellevue Road on August 10, 2019.
The victim was able to sit on the stretcher provided by emergency responders, and put his foot on the ground, stating he did not want to go to the hospital, according to officials.
Authorities said Lynch initially grabbed the victim's leg and put it on the stretcher, then pushed him back down when he again sat up, climbed onto the stretcher himself, and began repeatedly punching the victim in the face, requiring others to hold the stretcher so it wouldn't fall over.
More
According to DOJ officials, Gregory Lynch Jr. responded to reports of a victim who had suffered an injury to the back of his head after losing consciousness near Bellevue Road on August 10, 2019.
The victim was able to sit on the stretcher provided by emergency responders, and put his foot on the ground, stating he did not want to go to the hospital, according to officials.
Authorities said Lynch initially grabbed the victim's leg and put it on the stretcher, then pushed him back down when he again sat up, climbed onto the stretcher himself, and began repeatedly punching the victim in the face, requiring others to hold the stretcher so it wouldn't fall over.
More
Jeffrey Epstein death: Two jail guards to be charged in suicide probe
Two corrections officers tasked with guarding Jeffrey Epstein at the time of his suicide are expected to be taken into custody Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
The two officers are expected to face charges related to accusations of falsifying prison records at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in lower Manhattan, where Epstein died on Aug. 10 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.
Both guards were working overtime at the time of the financier’s death and allegedly failed to check on Epstein every half-hour as they were required to do. The charges stem from the duo falsifying forms to claim they’d carried out the required check-ins.
More
The two officers are expected to face charges related to accusations of falsifying prison records at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in lower Manhattan, where Epstein died on Aug. 10 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.
Both guards were working overtime at the time of the financier’s death and allegedly failed to check on Epstein every half-hour as they were required to do. The charges stem from the duo falsifying forms to claim they’d carried out the required check-ins.
More
Baltimore State's Attorney: "Over-Militarization Of Police Departments" Biggest Threat To Civil Rights
Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby was quoted at the University of Baltimore Law's 400 Years: Slavery and the Criminal Justice System conference in saying one of the most significant civil rights issues facing African Americans in Baltimore City is the "flawed" criminal justice system that has kept many in a perpetual state of mass incarceration and economic oppression, reported The Baltimore Sun.
More
"Black people are six times more likely to be arrested and become a part of the criminal justice system [than] whites," Mosby said at the two-day conference on Saturday.Mosby blamed the "over-militarization of police departments" in inner cities and unfair laws as a significant contributor to the economic disparities affecting African American communities not just in Baltimore but in major cities across the country.
"You have an over-militarization of police departments all across the country, racially unjust application of laws against poor black and brown people, [and] collateral consequences of these convictions that have kept black and brown people and communities [as] second-class citizens," she said.Other speakers shared similar views at the conference, such as defense attorneys, law students, academics, community leaders, and city residents.
More
1 Year After Sex Change, This Teen Regrets His ‘Frankenstein Hack Job’
Less than a year after having gender surgery, Nathaniel now says, “This whole thing was a bad idea. I am 19 years old, and I feel as though I have ruined my life.”
It’s heartbreaking each time I get a letter from someone who underwent gender-change surgery and regrets it, especially someone as young as Nathaniel.
With his permission, I’m telling a bit of his story to raise awareness of the young lives being ruined by the rush to surgery, and hoping that hearing the testimony of this young man will influence others on this path to slow down and consider the consequences before consenting to surgery.
In Nathaniel’s case, he says he was bullied by the boys in elementary school because he was sensitive and preferred playing girl games. When he was a bit older, he discovered internet pornography, heard about transgenderism, and as he says, “convinced myself that’s what I was.”
When he finally worked up the nerve to tell his mother in the summer after eighth grade, she made an appointment with, in his words, “a doctor at an informed-consent clinic.”
“From then on,” he says, “I slowly detached from everything until I was just staying home, playing video games, and going on the internet all day. I stopped reading, drawing, riding my bicycle. I surrounded myself in an echo chamber that supported and validated my poor decisions, because the others were also, unfortunately, stuck in that pit, too.”
More here